This weekend, the WHCS, in common with all other weekend matches, will witness a minute’s silence to remember the victims of the atrocity that took place in Central London on Wednesday afternoon. Such senseless and mindless violence perpetrated against innocent people puts football well and truly into perspective.

John McGreal and his charges embark upon 8 Cup finals between now and 6th May, knowing that 20 points will probably be required to secure 7th place and a Play Off berth.

The visitors are Luton Town, who are handily placed in 5th place on 60 points. Whereas JM has crushing injury concerns, Nathan Jones has top scorer Danny Hylton available after he was taken off on Tuesday evening after a draw at Rodney Parade in order to ensure his availability for the U’s game.

Sammy Szmodics was injured at Crewe last Saturday and sadly sustained a broken leg. He will again be sorely missed after his earlier season injury worries. It is not all bad news for JM however, Dean Brill, fresh from his Black Cats heroics for the U23’s is in the squad along with Tommy O’Sullivan our signing from Cardiff, who is likely to see some game time between now and the end of the season. Richard Brindley is also likely to play and probably start on Saturday.

Now the importance of this game cannot be overstated. The Super U’s simply must win, not only to maintain their excellent home form, but also to close the gap on the top seven. The Hatters were deservedly beaten on Boxing Day in a pulsating game and the U’s, without six of those players, will have to match their opponents whilst finding the back of the net which they failed to do at Gresty Road despite an encouraging second half.

Interestingly, when the two sides met on Boxing Day Luton Town were in 5th place with 35 points from 21 games, whilst the U’s were 13th with 27 points from 21 games.

The weather is set fair and the pitch will be in very good condition meaning that the U’s can play the ball on the deck and hopefully take the game to their opponents from the outset.

JM must decide on his formation and in my view, must attack with purpose in a 3,4,3 formation:

Walker

James Elokobi Briggs

Brindley Murray Lapslie Dickenson

Pyke Porter Bonne

Subs:

Brill Vincent-Young Wright Wynter Kinsella O’Sullivan Edge

Much has been made of Brennan Dickenson’s form, but Cameron James for me is absolute quality and must be well looked after by the club, he has the ability to become a top defender. Big George and Matt Briggs are playing very well; Briggs has been impressive since returning from injury.

Richard Brindley has been missed and will pick up where he left off prior to injury. Sean Murray, after an unfortunate and unlucky start at Blackpool is emerging as a cultured attacking midfield player.

Tom Lapslie, who excelled, when given the captaincy in Porter’s absence, is looking to recapture his best form; whilst Dickenson needs to convert more of his opportunities, and for their part, his striking colleagues need to convert more from the delicious left wing crosses that he provides.

The bench looks very striker unfriendly these days mainly due to injuries to Guthrie and Johnstone, but on Saturday, JM should play three up front from the start.

JM may demonstrate FOMO, but he must throw caution to the wind and attack the Hatters in an attempt to add to their excellent home record, whilst looking to close in on the top seven.

Saturday will see another crowd nudging the 6,000 mark and this time the faithful will be looking for three home points rather than giving the opposition the chance to spoil the party.

League placings show just how tight the positions are and confirm that a further 20 points will be sufficient for the U’s but they must secure three of them tomorrow.